Thursday, 27 March 2014

provides a vibrant hub to stimulate each and every one of our 5 senses. This beautiful studio not only offers a unique range of yoga classes 7 days a week, but also inspiring workshops, activities and retreats.

From the moment you enter this light, airy space shoulders somehow feel less burdened as troubles simply melt away.

We sat down with Breeze founder Claire Dunphy, a true yogi pioneer, to find out more about this wonderful space and her business philosophies

1.In your experiences as a former Pilates
teacher, tell us more about what inspired you to set up this unique place?

Throughout
my career I managed large mainstream health clubs. I found that on the whole, members that
practiced Yoga and Pilates were very much considered the minority in terms of
the facilities and activities geared towards them, yet they paid the same
subscription as others making full use of all facilities. As an example, around 6% of the studio
offering would be of a holistic nature and largely those participating in such
activities were not interested in the fast paced, noisy and often frenetic
aspects of the gym environment. There
were limited choices; either attend classes in a drafty and often ill equipped
church hall or public hall, or sign up to an annual gym membership and get very
little of “what you want” for your money.
Hence, I decided to open a “holistic style health club”, in which such
participants would benefit from great facilities, a calm and peaceful
environment, not to mention 100% of the offering tailor made to meet their requirements

2.Did you always have a sense, (from a fairly young age), that
you wanted to pioneer and run your own business?

Yes.I had
a strong sense that I wanted to run my own business, it just took me until I
was in my early 40’s to have the confidence and conviction to finally make it
happen

We
have won business awards and received great recognition, but there is never a
greater highlight than an individual contacting me to thank me for Breeze, and
this happens frequently. What might
well have started as a curious “toe dip” into a yoga class in the quest for a
better physique or to de-stress, has led many to embark on a journey of
self-development, enhanced physical and emotional wellbeing and much more besides

4. Do you think that yoga is still a fast-growing area in the
UK?

Yes,
and long may this continue due to the endless benefits of practicing Yoga as an
excellent tool for enhancing life on many levels

5.What key piece of advice would you give someone considering
setting up their own business?

Trust
your instincts.Question
everything.Never lose sight of your
vision and passion but never let this get in the way of your sensibility

6.Tell us about Breeze’s latest news and plans

Breeze is constantly evolving and we continue
to develop new and inspirational classes, workshops and retreats.We are currently preparing the business for
franchising – exciting times!

7.Day-to-day, how does being a parent configure with running
your business?

I’ve
been working on Breeze for 6 years now and as a single parent of two wonderful
girls – it’s been a juggling act to say the least.I hadn’t anticipated when I started out just
how much of my life the business would take over and there have been times in
the past when I have felt guilty for being so busy.The girls have been a fantastic support and
have embraced the journey with me.They
have learned an awful lot through watching, asking and even getting involved in
some aspects of the business.I believe
they have learned a great work ethic and the ability to multi task as a result,
which I am confident will stand them both in great stead for their own futures,
whichever paths they choose to take in life

Breeze offers a huge range of classes, workshops and treatments, including
Hot yoga, Gong Baths, meditation and even a calming flotation tank

8.If you could arrange to meet anyone you chose – from a part
of history, or living today – who would it be and why?

My Grandma, Madge Dunphy, who sadly passed away
when I was 12 years old.She was smart,
intuitive, wise and witty – she always had great little pearls of wisdom to
share.I’d love to meet with her and
talk “woman to woman”. We’d talk for
hours on anything from cooking to politics to fashion to philosophy and most
importantly, share a few jokes and some valuable hints and tips on life!

9. Which person has most
inspired you in life?

Easy
question … my Dad!He’s a fantastic Dad,
a successful businessman and entrepreneur, a real character.He’s been my inspiration all my life and I am
truly blessed to have such an exceptional father

10. How do you take time out to relax?

I walk my two dogs – it’s a joy!

11. What pearl of wisdom would you
give your 16 year old self?

When making important
decisions and choices, or when you are troubled, imagine you are yourself at 90
years of age, giving advice to you as a 16 year old.Ask yourself, what advice would you give your
younger self with the wisdom and experience you have gained in life?